CM Yogi Announces 3 New Universities in UP to Boost Quality Education

Uttar Pradesh is set to witness the launch of three new state universities aimed at improving access to quality higher education. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently announced the establishment of these institutions in Devipatan (Gonda), Azamgarh, and Moradabad. The goal is to make higher education more inclusive, skill-driven and locally accessible, especially in regions that

I chose to write about this announcement because it reflects a larger shift in how Indian states are beginning to value decentralised and region-specific higher education. Uttar Pradesh, with its massive youth population, needs more universities that can deliver employable skills and academic excellence at the grassroots. These upcoming universities are not just political decisions—they are critical steps in bridging the rural-urban education gap. If implemented thoughtfully, they could ease pressure on existing universities and give lakhs of students better academic choices closer to home.

Location and Purpose of the New Universities

CM Yogi made it clear that the locations for the three new universities were chosen strategically:

Devipatan (Gonda) to cater to the eastern region of the state
Azamgarh to serve the Purvanchal belt
Moradabad to support western UP’s education needs

These areas currently lack state-run universities of their own. As a result, students often migrate to cities like Lucknow, Varanasi or Allahabad for their degrees. The new universities are meant to reduce this burden and bring academic opportunities closer to home.

Focus on Skill-Based and Value-Oriented Education

According to the Chief Minister, these universities will not follow outdated patterns of rote learning. Instead, they will:

Offer skill-based courses aligned with local industry and job markets
Promote research and innovation in rural development and local economies
Encourage value-based education that aligns with Indian culture and ethics
Support interdisciplinary learning in line with the National Education Policy 2020

This means we can expect new courses in agriculture tech, regional trade, crafts, and even digital skills tailored for local needs.

Boost to Infrastructure and Job Creation

The setting up of these universities is also expected to generate local employment. Construction work, academic staffing, admin support, and allied services will open up new job avenues for locals. In addition, hostels, libraries, labs and IT infrastructure are planned to ensure modern and accessible campuses.

UP’s government has been gradually increasing its education budget, and these universities show where that investment is going.

Political Will and Timely Delivery

CM Yogi mentioned that detailed project reports (DPRs) have already been prepared and land allocation is underway. The government is aiming for quick approvals so that the universities can begin construction soon and start enrolling students within the next couple of academic cycles.

This is important because announcements like these often get delayed in red tape. If UP’s plan stays on track, it can become a model for other states struggling with higher education bottlenecks.

Education and Employment Can Transform Society: Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights the Way Forward

During a recent public address in Mangaluru, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that education and employment are two powerful tools that can shape the future of any society. He pointed out that when people are educated and have meaningful jobs, they can rise above social divisions, poverty, and other long-standing issues. His statement came while addressing students and faculty at a function organised at Srinivas University, where he also touched on the importance of knowledge-driven growth.

I felt the need to write about this because it’s rare to hear such a strong political focus on the link between education, employment and overall societal transformation. We often hear about schemes, budgets and infrastructure, but rarely is the bigger picture discussed—how these two sectors can change the life of a common person. This topic matters to all of us, especially the youth, who are navigating a fast-changing job market while also dealing with rising academic pressure. By writing about this, I hope more people start thinking seriously about how education is not just about degrees, and employment is not just about money—it’s about dignity, stability and progress.

Why Education and Employment Matter Together

Education and employment are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they go hand-in-hand. Education gives people the ability to think, create and contribute. Employment gives them the opportunity to apply what they know, support their families, and be part of the economy. According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, these two pillars must be developed together if we want a fairer and more productive society.

He stressed that:

Lack of access to education pushes people into poverty.
Unemployment leads to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
A society that fails to create job-ready youth will always remain unequal.

This is why investing in schools, colleges, and job-oriented courses is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral responsibility.

Government’s Role in Creating Equal Opportunities

During the event, Rao mentioned that governments should focus not only on building schools and colleges but also on ensuring the quality of education. He said students from rural areas often struggle because they don’t have the same access to English-medium teaching or computer labs as those in urban areas. This kind of inequality reflects in the job market too, where rural youth get fewer chances.

He also pointed out that:

Many graduates remain unemployed or underemployed because they are not industry-ready.
There is a big gap between what is taught in classrooms and what the job market demands.
Career counselling and vocational training should start at the school level.

According to him, if we want to see real change, we need long-term thinking and serious government commitment—not just one-time policies or election promises.

Importance of Social Harmony for Progress

One of the key messages Rao delivered was about unity. He said education should be a tool to unite people and not divide them. The minister raised concern about how communalism and polarisation are slowly taking attention away from important issues like job creation and educational reform.

He added that:

When youth are unemployed, they are more vulnerable to divisive ideologies.
Education can help people develop critical thinking and tolerance.
A strong education and employment ecosystem reduces dependence on populist politics.

He urged young people to stay informed, ask questions, and focus on real-life issues rather than distractions.